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How to have a Cheap Holiday or Backpacking Experience in Rome




Traveling is awesome, and in the case of the Romans, these people know how to party. So Whether your visiting to party or for a holiday to take in the architecture of this awesome city - here are the top tips having a fun and cheap holiday in Rome - the Grandest city in the Universe.


In this post I will cover:
- How to get to Rome for cheap
- Cheap and free accomodation in Rome
- Eating Cheaply in Rome
- Seeing Rome Cheaply
- How to stay long term in Italy
- More ways to save money whilst travelling


Rome is the most Grand city in at least Europe if not the world. This amazing city is an absolutely phenomenal experience, whether it be for the history or the awesome nightlife. As an Aussie I'm jealous that we don't have anything like this back home.


Anyhow, follow the tips below and have an awesome, memorable, and importantly, affordable experience :)



Getting there cheaply








There are several options you may want to consider for getting to Rome. Each has their pros and cons, depending on what your circumstances are - ie are you travelling alone, where are you coming from, are you only interested in Rome or other parts of France? You should compare all options below and see which has the best bottom line for you.


Flying
The first and most obvious option is through flying.


There are two airports for Rome. The Rome Fiumicino (26 km from city) and the Rome Ciampino (15 km from city).


Ciampino is the one that most budget airlines fly into, and is also a lot cheaper to get into town from as compared to the Fiumicino.


The cheapest way to get into the city from Ciampino is using the public bus service for 1 euro. Be aware tho that there are other more comfortable options but this is the cheapest. You'll find the stop just next to the taxi rank outside the terminal building.





PROS:
With a decent website that has all the budget airlines,these days you can often get a cheap flight easily.


CONS:
The cost to our earth in terms of carbon emissions.




By Train
PROS:  Can be very cheap with discounts for groups, the young, and in some cases kids under 16 travel free. Also very earth friendly.


CONS: Takes longer than a flight. Sometimes a lot longer.




Cheap and Free Accommodation



A cheap holiday in Rome can open up all sorts of opportunities ;)



Prices keep going up and down depending on demand, so it is difficult/
pointless for me to list them. You will more likely benefit if you look at
Hostelbookers.com and compare the prices for yourself. The good thing about this booking site is that unlike its main competitor hostelworld, it doesn't charge a US$2 booking fee on top of the 10% deposit. A nice saving in itself.


The other option of course is to join http://couchsurfing.org – a worldwide network for making connections between travellers and the communites they visit. People offering their couches for free! A worldwide phenomenon. Give it a go, but remember to read what people have already said about someone whose couch you are planning on staying on.


Cheap Food
If you are an experienced budget traveller, you probably know already to avoid the main touristy restaurants like the plague! With that in mind, here are some more tips for Rome:


 Often eateries serve the same food for dinner and lunch, but charge more for dinner. Make lunch your main meal of the day.






Despite sounding expensive and classy, when it comes to food, Wine Bars in Rome are classy without being expensive. Pick them over restaurants for an affordable and good experience.


McDonalds might be cheap back home, but don't expect the same here. Plus, why would you come to Rome where you have the opportunity to taste some of the most exquisite food on earth and go and eat McDonalds?? You'd have to be nuts!!


If you are looking for a seriously cheap backpacking experience, most serious backpackers know already to cook in the hostel kitchen. Why not use a cheap supermarket like the locals do, or better yet, support the average farmer by shopping directly from a market. Save the money for some fine wine.


Seeing Rome Cheaply

Obviously, you have truly missed Rome if you go there and don't visit the many sites, and as one of the most expensive cities in the world. You may want to consider buying a Rome discount pass from their website, which gives you free access to some museums and public transport.




Want to stay here 6 months or longer?If you have fallen in love with the country as so many people have, are a native English speaker and want to stay long term, get yourself a TEFL certificate. Make sure you check out visa requirements for teaching in Italy or ask the company if they can set you up.


More ways to save money whilst travelling